3 players the Chicago Cubs cannot trade under any circumstances

Here we are, just three days from the MLB trade deadline. Chicago Cubs fans are expecting the worst – facing the very real possibility of a full-blown fire sale. The probability of the Cubs trading all of their big names may not be quite as high as fans believe, but it is expected that at least one of the team’s big three will be moved before Friday’s deadline.

Kris Bryant has been labeled as the most likely candidate to be on his way out, with Jeff Passan calling the former National League MVP ‘good as gone’. Extensions talks with Javier Baez and Anthony Rizzo are being re-visited by Jed Hoyer and Tom Ricketts ahead of the deadline, though there has been no word at this time on any updates.

Whatever the Cubs do, they must hold onto some type of core moving forward. A team with veteran leadership is as valuable as a good bat in the lineup. It is important here to identify the guys who could bring back the best returns, the guys with the most value to the Cubs and everything in between. Looking ahead to the future, let’s look at three Cubs who must not be traded this week.